Top 8 All-Time Goalscorers for Aston Villa in the Premier League

With a storied history that includes one European Cup, seven top division titles, seven FA Cups, and five League Cups, Aston Villa’s trophy cabinet is a testament to its rich legacy. Despite a brief stint in the Championship, Aston Villa has largely been a fixture in the Premier League, with the Holte End faithful witnessing numerous memorable goalscorers over the years.

When you think of Aston Villa, the Premier League, and prolific goal scorers, several names might come to mind. However, only a select few have truly made their mark as Villa’s greatest Premier League goalscorers. Let’s delve into the top flight’s leading scorers of the modern era for Aston Villa.

8. Julian Joachim – 32

Aston Villa career: 1996–2001

Signed from Leicester City for £1.5 million just four years into the Premier League era, Julian Joachim quickly made his mark at Villa Park. Over five seasons, he scored 39 goals and became a fan favorite with his exceptional speed, dazzling dribbling, and tireless work ethic.

Joachim was Villa’s top scorer in the 1998/99 season and ranked sixth in the Premier League’s overall scoring charts that year. However, after moving to Coventry City in 2001, Joachim’s career faced challenges. His subsequent stints at Leeds United and other clubs didn’t see him regain his peak form, marking a decline from his time with Villa.

7. Gareth Barry – 41

Aston Villa career: 1998–2009

Yes, Gareth Barry might surprise you on a goalscoring list, especially since this isn’t about longevity or appearances. Despite being a holding midfielder, Barry had a notable impact on Villa’s scoring charts. His role as the team’s primary penalty taker allowed him to accumulate a respectable number of goals, given that clear-cut chances from open play were less frequent for him.

Barry was a fixture in the Villa squad, making an impressive 365 appearances over his 11 years at the club before transferring to Manchester City, where he clinched the Premier League title in 2012. While he is often celebrated for his record-setting number of appearances, his reliability from the penalty spot was a significant part of his contribution to Villa during his time in the Premier League.

6. Christian Benteke – 42

Aston Villa career: 2012–2015

A new trend on social media is celebrating the ‘prime Barclays’ players, and Christian Benteke certainly fits the bill. After his £7 million move from Belgian side Genk to Villa Park, Benteke made a significant impact, scoring 42 goals in just three seasons. His impressive goals-per-game ratio of 0.47 goals per 90 minutes highlights his effectiveness.

Benteke’s aerial dominance and clinical finishing made him a constant threat to defenders, earning him a reputation as a reliable goalscorer. His standout performances at Villa led Brendan Rodgers to override Liverpool’s data department and invest £32.5 million to bring him to Anfield, making him their second-most expensive signing at the time. Despite the hype, Benteke struggled at Liverpool, netting just nine top-flight goals in his single season with the club, and faced a challenging period at Crystal Palace.

5. Juan Pablo Angel – 42

Aston Villa career: 2001–2007

In 2001, Aston Villa made headlines by breaking their transfer record with the acquisition of Colombian forward Juan Pablo Ángel from River Plate for £9.5 million. This move came as Julian Joachim departed, placing the onus on Ángel to fill the gap. Initially, Ángel struggled to adjust to the English game, and his high salary attracted early criticism.

Despite a challenging start, Ángel eventually found his rhythm and won over Villa fans with his reliable performances and sharp eye for goal. He scored 44 times in the Premier League, and when his form started to wane, he transferred to the New York Red Bulls in 2007. Ángel continued to impress in Major League Soccer, enjoying a successful resurgence in the latter part of his career.

4. Dion Dublin – 48

Aston Villa career: 1998–2004

Before transitioning to TV presenting on “Homes Under the Hammer,” Dion Dublin was a prominent Premier League striker. His time at Aston Villa began with a bang, scoring seven goals in his first four games, including a memorable hat-trick against Southampton.

Although a serious neck injury posed a major threat to his career, Dublin’s resilience allowed him to keep making valuable contributions on the field. Despite a natural decline in form as he approached his 30s, Dublin left a lasting impression with his goalscoring prowess at Villa. His tenure with the club concluded with a free transfer to Leicester City after his contract expired.

3. Ollie Watkins – 61

Aston Villa career: 2020–Present

Now is a great time to highlight Ollie Watkins, especially after his standout 2023/24 season. With 19 goals, Watkins soared from seventh to third on the list of Villa’s top Premier League goalscorers.

Watkins’ sharp finishing and ability to make runs behind defenders perfectly complement Villa’s attacking strategy. His impressive form earned him both the Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Season awards, along with the Premier League Playmaker award for his 13 assists. At 28, Watkins is entering his prime, and Villa fans are eager to see if his best performances are still ahead.

2. Dwight Yorke – 60

Aston Villa career: 1990–1998

Aston Villa fans have much to thank former manager Graham Taylor for, as he discovered Dwight Yorke during a tour of the West Indies. Yorke’s trial with Villa marked the beginning of an impressive career in claret and blue, where he consistently found the back of the net throughout the 1990s.

Yorke played a key role in Villa’s League Cup victory before making a high-profile move to Manchester United. At United, he made an immediate impact, winning the Premier League Golden Boot in his first season and playing a pivotal role in their historic 1999 treble. While Yorke’s greatest successes came with United, his rise at Villa Park remains a proud chapter in the club’s history.

1. Gabriel Agbonlahor – 74

Aston Villa career: 2005–2018

While Gabriel Agbonlahor is now more commonly heard grumbling on the air waves than seen on the pitch, he remains Aston Villa’s all-time top Premier League scorer. A one-club man—aside from a few loan spells—Agbonlahor scored 74 goals over 13 years with Villa. His style was characterized by fast, direct play and a penchant for running at defenders.

Agbonlahor’s form often mirrored the team’s struggles, with Villa dropping into the Championship towards the end of his career. Despite his later years being marked by inconsistency, his goal-scoring ability has solidified his place as Villa’s top Premier League marksman for the time being.

Stats via Transfermarkt. Correct as of 12-09-24.